Fuel Fabrication

1.END PLATE ASSEMBLY LINE FOR FUEL BUNDLES:

In order to improve productivity of assembly operations, Avasarala conceived and developed for the first time in India the automatic assembly of 37 fuel elements for 540 MWe PHWR reactors. Assembly comprises of fuel element clustering in designated positions and orientation, placement of top and bottom end plates, spot resistance welding, weighment and loading on to an inspection conveyor. Fool proofing was done by using elaborate assembly fixtures. Conventional assembly method of single operation stations with operator handling fuel bundles of smaller size was not feasible for 37 fuel elements.